Editor's note: David M. Perry is a journalist, historian, and senior academic advisor in the Department of History at the University of Minnesota. Matthew Gabriele is a professor of medieval studies in the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech. They are co-authors of The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe. Their new book, Oath Breakers: The Brothers' War That Shattered Empires and Created Medieval Europe, is scheduled for publication in December 2024. The views expressed here are the author's own. Read more opinions on CNN.
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In recent days, university students have been protesting across the country against Israel's actions in the ongoing war in Gaza. These are complex national phenomena, like all protest movements, involving a variety of attitudes, personalities, agendas, and reactions.
But what we've noticed as historians is how surprised some people were to see college professors standing up to protect their students. For example, Noel McAfee, head of Emory University's philosophy department, said: arrested Economics professor Caroline Fallin was violently thrown to the ground and arrested for asking a police officer to stop abusing another student. Concerned faculty at the University of Texas at Austin called for a walkout in protest of police actions against peaceful protesters. At CUNY, The faculty literally formed a wall. Putting your body between protesters and police.
Ilya Nouberge/Reuters
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians at Emory University on April 26, 2024.
But as we write in our book Bright Times, faculty and students united against outside political interference are built into the core of the modern university. In fact, quite literally, that's why we have institutions called “universities.” .
For most of the European Middle Ages, learning was concentrated in religious institutions. These tended to be cathedrals at the time, often located in growing cities, and under the supervision of the cathedral's archdeacon (called “rector'') and high priest (called “dean''), students and Facilities were in place to allow teachers to congregate in specific areas. ).
In the late 12th century, one such school, centered around Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, began attracting students and teachers from all over Europe, lured by Paris's own growing wealth and the growing power of the French monarchy. . Although things generally went well, there was some tension between the citizens and students. But in 1200 AD, a group of Parisian students were deceived by a shopkeeper. The students returned drunk to the store to throw away trash.
These events set off a chain reaction of retaliation, culminating in the shopkeeper, the school's head teacher, and a group of his friends attacking the schoolyard and killing numerous students.
The school's teachers united with the students and threatened to refuse classes and move the school elsewhere unless the king listened to the students and provided justice. King Philip II Augustus of France did just that. He arrested the police and issued an edict protecting teachers and students, stating that they were “legal persons” who enjoyed certain rights. The Latin word he used for this corporation was “universitas.”
From this unlikely origin story, including bar brawls and vigilante violence, the origins of the modern university were born. The lesson is clear. Universities only exist when students and faculty come together, and we are stronger when we are united.
The term, referring to the cathedral schools of Paris, did not become common until late in the century. However, the hard-won rights of this “university” were soon put to the test. Because while history doesn't actually repeat itself, it does sometimes echo. .
In 1229, there was another bar brawl in Paris.
Almost the same scenario played out. A store owner tried to deceive some students about the price of wine. But this time, the innkeeper got angry and had his servants beat the students. The next day, the students returned to destroy the store, the store owner appealed to the authorities for justice, and now the Queen sided with the citizens against the school. Her soldiers swept through the university town, injuring many and killing several.
Teachers once again rallied with students, activating their university status and demanding an end to this outside interference. This time the monarchy refused. The king became increasingly concerned about the independence of the corporation, the “dangerous” things being taught at the school (such as Aristotle and the Islamic thinker Ibn Rushd), and the need to discipline and control the young people. Ta. This bar brawl was the perfect excuse for politicians to take control of the school.
However, the teachers stood by their students. They went on strike together. All teachers and students left the city, vowing not to return for at least six years. The monarchy was horrified and immediately set about repairing the school. The situation was finally resolved two years later when the Pope himself issued a decree recognizing the power of self-regulation for universities and limiting the authority of kings and bishops over teachers and students. This organizational principle was imitated by other schools throughout Europe.
Today, the university stands as one of the proudest and most visible legacies of medieval European history. They remind us that higher education institutions are a combination of teachers and students dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. And external forces always try to control that pursuit and rein in young learners.
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This historical fact carries implications and responsibilities for today. Teachers must stand by their students. In some cases, it may mean some of the bravest acts possible, putting yourself in the path of violence brought on by heavily armed police officers. However, that is not necessarily the case. It can mean much smaller, everyday acts. Give students an extension for their final exam. Use university governance to counter administrative attempts to punish universities academically. Please be kind when grading.
The true history of the most authentic and medieval universities reveals that a united community of teachers and students, learning together, once stood up to the king. This history still reminds us that, together, we can stand up to the real “outside agitators”: politicians who have little interest in free speech or education.
